How to Decide If You Should Purchase Something

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I love shopping (shocker). I enjoy purchasing items I love that I know I will get a lot of use out of. However, I am guilty of purchasing items and not really wearing/using them as much as I imagined, which is a waste of money and just a stupid thing to do. Here are my tips to decide whether or not you should purchase something.

Do I have anything like this?

Yes, a striped tee is a wardrobe essential, but do you really need 2 that are almost identical? Try to avoid buying duplicates/twins (unless it's an item you use a TON), because chances are you'll only use one.

Will it go on sale soon?

I don't care what you say: there is nothing worse than purchasing an item at full price and seeing that it's on sale a few weeks later! If you're considering purchasing something that you think might go on sale, try waiting until the next closest holiday when stores have sales (Labor Day, Black Friday, etc) and then purchase it!

Will I use/wear it?

How many outfits can I think of with this? Do I have shoes to match or would I need to purchase something else to go with it? Sometimes when I really think about how much use I will get from an item I find myself placing it back on the rack. 

Could I see myself wearing this in a few years?

It's okay to purchase "trending" items, but I wouldn't splurge on them. I'd rather spend my money on classic, high quality pieces that I know I'll wear for many years to come, not just this season.

Figure out how much it's worth.

Before looking at the price of items, I like to think to myself "How much would I pay for this?". If my answer is lower/equal to what the actual price is, I'll consider purchasing. 

Don't buy things just because it's on sale. 

Guilty! "Mom, it's XYZ brand and it's only $$! That's such a good deal!". Yes, it may be a good deal for the brand, but it's only a true good deal if you use it! 

Read reviews and do your research.

I always read reviews of products before purchasing them, especially if they're on the expensive side. Reviews could help you avoid a return or help encourage you to purchase something.

If you're still not sure, wait.

Sometimes I get wrapped up in the moment of wanting to buy something and I need to take a step back. If I want to purchase something (especially a splurge item), I usually wait months to see if  I still want that item. 

xoxo,

Alyssa